O'Berry invites retirees for visit

Past and present staff and clients of O'Berry Center will begin celebrating the center's 50th anniversary this week, with a full day of activities planned Wednesday, said Dr. Frank Farrell, O'Berry director.

The day will be a combination of fun, fellowship and appreciation for the current staff as well as an opportunity for former workers and retirees to return for a visit.

"We're combining the staff appreciation meal that we traditionally do. ... Those that have had an association in the past, we're asking to come back and see some people they haven't seen in awhile," he said.

More than 600 letters were sent out to former employees, Farrell said, with hopes for the reunion idea to become an annual event.

That evening, the center will also host a dance for past and present residents.

The coming months will lead up to the center's 50th anniversary, with formal ceremonies planned for the public on Nov. 7.

In the meantime, Wednesday's event will feature an array of activities on the grounds from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Campus tours for retirees will start in the chapel, where there will also be exhibits and a commemorative gift. In Knights of Columbus Park, there will be games throughout the day, as well as performances by the new O'Berry Center Gospel Choir, and an opportunity for former workers to preserve their memories on videotape for a "Living History" being collected for the anniversary celebration.

In the event of inclement weather, activities will be moved to the gym.